Brantford Group Urges Marijuana Rethink

A group of local marijuana supporters is gearing up for a Brantford 420 Freedom Rally, calling for the legalization of the drug.

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at downtown’s Victoria Park on April 20 .

“This event is being held all over Canada,” said organizer Brittni Mitchell. “It’s held on Parliament Hill, in Toronto and Vancouver.

“It’s a chance to draw people together, get things going and show the community that we’re not hurting anyone and we’re not bad people. How can you be in a bad mood when you’re smoking up?”

Mitchell, a member of the Brantford Cannabis Club, said the group has notified the city of its intentions.

She said she expects the rally to feature guest speakers, prizes, music and – at 4:20 p.m. — a group light up of marijuana.

The time of 4:20 and date of 4/20 have become associated with marijuana use.

“It’s really time for people to reconsider the prohibition on marijuana,” said Mitchell. “Our laws are causing youth to get off on the wrong foot after being arrested and put in jail because of something so small. And people have no idea how many people they know are using it – doctors, lawyers and all sorts of people you come into contact with.”